Apple today unveiled iOS 26, a major update that introduces a stunning new design, smarter system-wide features, and enhancements to core apps that millions rely on daily. The update blends fresh visual appeal with seamless usability, all powered by deeper Apple Intelligence integration designed to respect user privacy.
At the heart of iOS 26 is Liquid Glass, a translucent material that adds depth and vitality to app icons, widgets, and system elements. This new look extends across the entire iPhone experience — from a more expressive and customizable Lock Screen and Home Screen to refined app interfaces. For example, the Lock Screen adapts the clock size fluidly based on the selected wallpaper and adds subtle 3D effects that respond as users move their device. Apps like Camera adopt a simpler layout to keep attention on capturing moments, while Safari’s redesign allows web pages to extend from edge to edge, maximizing content visibility without sacrificing key controls.
Apple Intelligence features
Apple Intelligence takes center stage, now embedded throughout the OS to help users get more done with less effort. Live Translation is integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, enabling real-time text and voice translation powered entirely on device—ensuring conversations stay private. Visual intelligence also helps users interact with what’s on their screen: whether it’s querying ChatGPT for more info about an image, finding products across apps, or spotting event details that can be automatically added to the calendar.
All-new Phone app
The Phone app gets a major overhaul with a unified view that consolidates Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails into a single scrollable window. Enhanced Call Screening and a new Hold Assist feature aim to reduce unwanted interruptions and notify users when a live agent is ready, improving call handling significantly. Messages now offer better control with unknown sender screening, keeping spam at bay by sorting unknown contacts into a separate folder until users decide to engage.
The Games app
A highlight of iOS 26 is the brand-new Apple Games app, designed as a central hub for all gaming on iPhone. It aggregates titles from Apple Arcade and the App Store, tracks friends’ activities, achievements, and challenges, and surfaces major events and updates — making it easier than ever for players to discover and enjoy games.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, said,“iOS 26 shines with a gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements, making iPhone more expressive, personal, and helpful than ever before.”
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